Do you think that after serving time in prison you should be given a second chance?

Question

I am so aggravated right now, my brother was released from prison after nearly 10yrs (drugs..nothing violent) he had a job through a temp agency, but was laid off, because the company had low production. Anyway, he cannot find a job around here because he has a felony. I believe that once they serve their time, they should be given at least a 2nd chance. Have their rights back whatever. Now I know he's my brother, but i felt this way before. what's aggravating is that im afraid if he doesn't find a job fast...he may be tempted to get back in the game again.. and it hurts cuz i can't help him.

forgive me if im in the wrong section and i know that it's not my fault that he made the choices he made.

grumpy..i understand that and if he had gone to prison for murder or embezzling money i would want to know that, i mean if he had embezzled money...i wouldn't hire him at a bank

yeah there are plenty of people without felonies but a lot of them don't want to work and most are on their way to the pen. I'm not saying take jobs away from people who have never gotten into trouble and deserve them, im just saying sometimes ppl need a chance.

natalie, you are right, when i think of it that way, he was given several chances. but i think it took serious jail time for him to be convinced. And the reason he got so much time is because he wouldn't "tell" on someone else, because all of his little homies that talked have been out of jail. So yes he has to work harder and they all should, but i do think that if you really pay your debt to society...it should be paid in full and your rights returned to you. But it's political and there is a reason for it. There have been ppl who murdered and got less time, but that's a whole different subject Thank you all for answering, i appreciate it even if i don't agree with everyone

Answer 1

On your side with this one.

And you can help, if only with support and guidance.

Wish him luck.

Answer 2

well first off...I work in a jail as a corrections officer. And for him to get 10 years it sounds like he's already had a second chance, along with many more. If he's that interested in finding a job he will...I know the oil field hires people with felonys. But everyone has to live with the life they've made for themselves. Maybe some of these people deserve another chance, but most of them are choosing to be where they are. And if you worked with them you might understand this. I'm a female and most of the time I work with male inmates, and it's me with 72 inmates, and they're not behind bars, I'm in the same room with them. So you can only imagine some of the stuff I've heard from them as far as what they're going to do to me when they get out. Just step back and look at the whole picture, why is someone going to hire someone with a felony when there are plenty of people out there that have never been convicted.

Answer 3

I believe you have pointed out a very real problem that is in no small part responsible for the "rate of recidivism".

If the definitiion of "felony" remains relatively unchanged, I think that employers, and the public in general, should be more educated on the 6 classes of felony. A person who stole something worth $200 15 years ago at age 18 is not the same risk as some other felons. I think that BLANKET policies of not hiring felons does society more harm in the long run.

Answer 4

Yes. That is why we do not lock people up and throw away the key for every offense. It is true that some people become ''institutionalized''. That is they loose the ability to function out side of the penal system. There are a lot that would turn around if given the chance, but the hurdles can be rather high.

He has to persevere. There are people that are willing to give people like him a second chance, but not everybody is that open minded. There is a temp agency in S. California called Labor Ready that is known to hire a lot of ex cons. It is not good work, but it is work. It will help him establish a good record.

Answer 5

All criminals deserve a second chance. Do you agree? Crime and punishment have been a part of society for as long as anyone can remember. As criminals are caught and put to justice, their moral credentials are reduced so greatly that it is often difficult for them to move up the ranks in society. When released from punishment, be it jail or otherwise, these ex-convicts often face prejudice and discrimination. This may seem too harsh to some, but it cannot merely be put away as senseless snobbishness, as there is adequate reasoning to be afraid of ex-convicts. After all, if they have committed a crime once, what is there to stop them from doing the same again? Hence, should all criminals be given a second chance, and do all of them deserve one? A criminal can commit one or more of a variety of crimes, ranging from petty theft to mass murder. Depending on the severity of the crime, a punishment is issued upon the convict. The first opportunity for a second chance is given here. The degree of punishment emitted to the convict is a measure of the law’s discernment on the eligibility of a criminal with regards to getting a second chance. Most punishments are either settled on monetary terms, like fines, or require a criminal to temporarily stay away from society, through jail terms. The effects of these are usually temporary and a criminal is given a second chance usually after these effects wear off.

Answer 6

The laws in the United States are all we have to go by. Laws can be changed, nothing is written in stone. There are channels that must be met to change them. As a citizen, I think once a person has met the sentence given them, & all duties have been paid, then that person should be given the same chance as anyone else. Laws are far better than they used to be. Some countries cut off hands for stealing, while others did far worse. It takes time to prove oneself. Giving up is not the answer.

Answer 7

It might help if he went through an employment agency or another service . It would know which employers might hire an ex con. I know there are ex cons who have re entered the work force. But the longer he goes without a job, the harder it will be get one. So, the best thing you can do right now is encourage him and check the newpaper ads.

Answer 8

I believe he should get a second chance. But, you should look at it at the point of view of an employer. His credibility and trustworthiness is very low. You see, many people think that you'd have to do something pretty aweful to end up in prison. How do you trust someone like that? He would have to some how show his employers that he can be trusted once again. I know these words are harsh..... but true. Best of luck.

Answer 9

Once a person has served his time, he should be restored to whole.

Read the constitution and Bill of rights, Our founding fathers wanted a society where once you paid your debt, it was marked paid in full and you were set free.

Our politicians, not wanting to appear soft on crime, have decided that you will pay your debt over and over and over..they brow beat you with it. Maybe, someday when we return the the constitution then we will actually give ex-felons a chance to be free.

I am sorry about your brother, and wish him the best.

Answer 10

he is being given a second chance. If he was not, the government would keep him in the pen for life. Being a felon has more restrictions than just going to prison. Your also no longer able to vote or handle a firearm. Some employers will not hire felons. That is just the nature of the beast.

Answer 11

1. yes he should be given a chance, but there is a famous saying "As you sow,so shell you reap"
2. Your brother has to show a positive commitment in coming days ahead, to start with a new carrier.
3. Remember the drugs are more violent then any other crime.